Vacancy expired!
Nine Star Education & Employment Services is currently recruiting for a Case Manager (Work Services Specialist) for our 5th Ave location.
Work Services Specialists provide Alaska Temporary Assistance clients who are unemployed and underemployed with the skills to obtain and retain employment, and overcome barriers. Work Services Specialist utilize a holistic approach to assist clients in achieving economic self-sufficiency.
Major Duties:
1. Receive formal and on-the-job training in: the policies, procedures and requirements of differing public and family assistance programs and subprograms, including a working knowledge of those under the jurisdiction of other agencies such as DPA, Child Support Services, department of Labor, or the Social Security Administration; the application and operation of computerized information systems and confidentiality, workplace ethics, customer service, coaching techniques, goal setting, decision making, community referrals, non-violent crisis intervention, effective communication, interviewing techniques, clear and concise technical writing skills, and team building.
2. Assume progressive responsibility routine casework that is composed of finding resources for ATAP families who may have some short-term barriers to finding work; such as homelessness, lack of transportation, child care or health issues.
3. Gather required verification pertaining to work activities, be able to respectfully and candidly discuss resources, expenses, and related information; conduct necessary interviews make home and community visits, determine penalty appropriateness; review periodic client submittals and/or change reports.
4. Implement principles of welfare reform and the work first philosophy.
5. Meets clients a minimum of once monthly as required.
6. Develops Work First Self-Sufficiency Plans to direct the activities of clients in moving toward economic self-sufficiency.
7. Monitors clients to ensure they are achieving goals that lead to employment.
8. Establish, maintain and review client files as well as prepare data for required reports accurately and in a timely manner.
9. Identify and appropriately manage angry or hostile clients in crisis.
10. Refer clients to appropriate community resources for services that address and meet specific needs as identified.
11. Refer clients to training projects that will lead to a higher level of self-sufficiency.
12. Prepare for and attend case review hearings with clients.
13. Participate as a team member in weekly program staff meetings and other meetings as required.
14. Works with other Nine Star Work Services staff as a team to collaborate and meet the needs of all clients.
15. Maintain connectivity with DPA eligibility staff in serving client needs.
16. Develop employment and training opportunities and make appropriate job matches and referrals for clients.
17. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications for the Job:
1. Minimum: High school graduation or GED certification; AND either two years of experience where effective dealing with people was an essential part of the duties. Successful experience in occupational areas such as the following (non-inclusive) would satisfy the minimum requirement: social services, employment agencies, labor or industrial relations, personnel or industrial management, teaching, insurance, etc. or two years’ experience developing case plans and providing direct services to clients experiencing significant life challenges.
2. Substitution: College course work from an accredited institution in any combination of sociology, social work, psychology, counseling, human services, vocational rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, behavioral sciences, or a related field may substitute on a month-to-month basis (three semester or four quarter hours equals one month of experience).
3. Preferred: Possess an Associate’s Degree in Human Services or closely related field and two years’ experience in Social Services or a closely related field. (4 years of direct case management experience may be substituted.)
4. Proficient knowledge of personal computer-based workstations, related business software suites and information management systems including Microsoft Office and FileMaker Pro.
5. Process proper use knowledge of grammar, composition, spelling, and punctuation regards the English language as it applies to interviewing, data gathering, and investigative techniques.
6. Ability to maintain composure, use diplomacy and tact, and effectively de-escalate crisis and hostile situations with various individuals using the techniques and methodology of effective customer service delivery.
7. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication techniques and listening skills, to meet the needs of diverse clientele and cultures.
8. Under minimal supervision demonstrate the ability to organize/prioritize work and time, work under pressure and meet regulatory deadlines independently or as a team member.
9. Ability to learn how to verify, analyze, and evaluate oral and written documentation; determine which of a number of requirements or procedures apply; reason logically; perform accurate mathematical calculations; and formulate logical and defensible conclusions regarding client support service needs.
10. Able to coordinate multiple tasks and follow-up in spite of frequent interruptions while maintaining a professional attitude of enthusiasm and dependability.
11. Ability to learn program policies, procedures, guidelines, instructions and identify sensitive or confidential information in order to abide by confidentiality requirements.
Supervisor: Lead Work First Work Services Specialists
Hours of Work: Vary according to client needs and staff schedules
Benefits:
Paid Annual Leave
Holiday Pay
Health Insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Health Reimbursement Account
Flexible Spending Account
403(b) Savings plan
Paid Time-Off to Vote
